The elementary orchestra is part of the Methacton Orchestra program. There are orchestras in all Methacton Schools. Skyview, Arcola and Methacton High School orchestras have similar concert schedules to the elementary orchestra. There are also opportunities to perform with advanced ensembles such as Schuylkill Valley Area Orchestra, Montgomery County High School Orchestra, and PMEA (Pennsylvania Music Educators Association) sponsored orchestras.

The Orchestra is an instrumental ensemble available for students in third and fourth grade who wish to play violin, viola, cello, or bass. Beginner and second-year students participate in group lessons once a week. Lessons include performance, technique, rhythm, singing, reading, and improvisation activities. Students who have completed one year of lessons or reached specific benchmark skills on their instruments participate in weekly orchestra rehearsals before school. They play in the winter and spring concerts, as well as the Methacton String Jamboree. Beginners join them for the last few rehearsals before the concert.

Fun fact: Orchestra rehearsals do not conflict with other ensembles' rehearsals. Students can participate in multiple ensembles, and many students do!

Students learn about the stringed instruments available for study in music class and at an information meeting held in the spring. Members of the orchestra demonstrate each instrument and perform as an ensemble for the students.

Our curriculum incorporates elements of Conversational Solfege, Suzuki, Kodaly, and Orff. We extend Methacton’s classroom music curriculum into lessons, and build upon previously learned skills. Our beginning students use a book developed by Methacton orchestra teachers. Advancing students use Essential Elements for Strings as a method book.

We Love to Perform!

Orchestra members have many opportunities to share music with others. A typical year of performances can include:

· December Winter Concert or January Winter Informance

· Spring Concert (held in May)

· Methacton String Jamboree: held in late March at Arcola Intermediate School. This performance features Methacton stringed instrument students in grades four through twelve. It is a wonderful opportunity for students and parents to hear the progression of stringed instrument skills!

· Advanced Orchestra students play at ourspring information meetings.Volunteers demonstrate the violin, viola, cello, and bass and tell their peers about their school orchestra experience.